Jim Raffa Takes the Helm as Marketing VP at Reading & Northern Railroad
June 14, 2025 – The Reading & Northern Railroad (R&N) marks a new chapter in its leadership with the exciting promotion of Jim Raffa to Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales. This strategic move aims to bolster the company’s commitment to growth and enhanced service offerings under the guidance of CEO Andy Muller and President Wayne Michel.
Driving Growth in the Railroad Industry
Raffa assumes his new role with an impressive track record. Over the last decade, R&N has witnessed a remarkable 50% increase in freight traffic, primarily driven by a surge in the anthracite coal market and the burgeoning frac sand franchise—an initiative that Raffa has spearheaded. His adept handling of petrochemicals and minerals positions him as a critical player in furthering R&N’s commercial ambitions.
A Vision for Expansion
In collaboration with Christina Muller-Levan, Executive Vice President of Strategic Planning, Raffa is set to drive forward-looking initiatives and strategic expansions. Notably, he will take the reins in acquiring the Luzerne County railroads, currently owned by the Redevelopment Authority. Reports suggest that the county is keen on privatizing operations, paving the way for R&N to revitalize the local freight services. Raffa’s familiarity with the region, having previously managed the Luzerne Susquehanna Railway, makes him the perfect candidate for this challenge.
Commitment to Service Quality
Since the sale of the Luzerne Susquehanna Railway in 2020, Raffa has noted a concerning decline in carloadings, which have halved. He is determined to ensure that if R&N successfully acquires the property, they will prioritize restoring quality service to their freight customers.
Passion for Community Engagement
Muller’s vision also includes enhancing passenger services, with exciting plans for passenger excursion services in Wilkes-Barre. In 2024 alone, over 340,000 riders took advantage of the existing R&N operations, underscoring the importance of robust community connections and public engagement.
An Impressive Career Path
Jim Raffa’s journey in the railroad industry began in 1989 with R&N’s predecessor, the Blue Mountain & Reading Railroad. His roles evolved from trackman to manager of coal traffic and real estate, eventually transitioning into ownership positions with the Lehigh Railway and the Luzerne Susquehanna Railway.
In 2020, Raffa returned to R&N, where he has successfully managed petrochemical and minerals accounts in tandem with the growing natural gas and Marcellus Shale sector.
Recognized Expertise
Muller couldn’t be more enthusiastic about Raffa’s appointment: “Jim brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise from his previous roles at Lehigh Railway and Luzerne & Susquehanna. His understanding of the region and frac sand opportunities are crucial as we continue this growth trajectory.”
He further commented on Raffa’s achievements, particularly overseeing the development of the Tunkhannock transload operation, which is on track to handle over 4,000 carloads of sand this year.
Background and Education
A native of Schuylkill County, Raffa has always harbored a passion for railroads. He graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor’s in Mathematics and a minor in Secondary Education, now actively pursuing further graduate studies toward a Master’s in Education.
A Railroad Legacy
Reading & Northern Railroad, headquartered in Port Clinton, serves over 80 customers across nine Pennsylvania counties, expanding its operations significantly over the past 40 years. With nearly 40,000 carloads of freight removed from highways annually, R&N’s impact on local transportation is profound.
The commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed; R&N has been recognized multiple times as one of the nation’s premier railroads, even being named Regional Railroad of the Year in 2020 by Railway Age magazine.
In conclusion, Jim Raffa’s leadership at Reading & Northern Railroad promises exciting developments and strategic growth. With a solid foundation of experience and an unwavering commitment to quality service, R&N is poised to continue its trajectory of success in the railroad industry. Keep an eye on this dynamic company as it embarks on its next chapter!
For further information about the Reading & Northern Railroad, visit their official website or read more about railroad industry trends at Railway Age.
